AARP Foundation Experience Corps: Stories From Researchers

"The reading scores of 75 percent of Experience Corps students in Philadelphia have increased one grade level. Attendance among the students tutored has improved. Surveys of volunteers taken at the beginning of their participation in the pilot program and at the end of the two-year pilot show a significant increase in their sense of purpose and energy and a significant decrease in loneliness. Other results, less tangible, are probably more important: the greater pride and hopefulness of students, the lessons they learn about caring and civility; greater connection and respect among generations; a richer school environment; a new sense of the possibilities of ... 'the third age.' –From Better Together

"Experience Corps makes a significant difference building a positive environment for learning, help students achieve," and serves as "a cost-effective way to improve the quality of education and supplement overworked teachers." –The Center for American Progress

"Giving back to your community may slow the aging process in ways that lead to a higher quality of life in older adults. Physical, cognitive and social activity increased in volunteers, suggesting potential for Experience Corps and similar programs to improve health for an aging population, while simultaneously improving educational outcomes for children. It potentially could have great social impact if taken to a large scale." – Linda P. Fried, M.D., former director of the Center on Aging and Health at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions; dean, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

"Principals, coping with the press of ever-rising academic expectations and administrative challenges, have no time for programs that do not serve their purposes. Experience Corps has won their allegiance and respect." – Policy Studies Associates

Organizations like Experience Corps "appear to be precisely the kind of programs that can reduce disability and raise cognitive awareness." – Richard Suzman, associate director for behavioral social research, National Institute on Aging

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The idea of engaging seniors in civic work is especially important in a society that will have a growing cadre of elderly Americans seeking new ways to use their gifts and to offer something back to their country.